Gaza Ceasefire/Dismantling Talks: Hamas says the first step of Trump’s phased disarmament plan must be Israel stopping the killing of Palestinians and withdrawing from Gaza before Hamas hands over heavy weapons, warning the deal hinges on Israeli compliance. US-Iran Diplomacy vs Escalation: Back-to-back Saudi and Israeli messages to Washington underline how hard it is for Trump to find an exit ramp as direct talks with Iran look stalled and new fronts keep opening. IMF-Egypt Finance: The IMF completed reviews unlocking about $1.8bn for Egypt, praising Cairo’s exchange-rate flexibility, energy reforms and fiscal discipline, while still flagging debt and the state’s large role. Energy Shock and Profits: Iran-U.S. fighting and Hormuz disruption are driving fuel price spikes and shortages, while major oil firms report windfall gains (Exxon and Chevron among the biggest). Maritime Security at Hormuz: Analysts warn the weaponisation of chokepoints is turning shipping lanes into coercion tools, raising the risk of wider instability. Regional Security Spillovers: Iran escalated complaints over Bulgaria hosting US refueling aircraft, while the UK arrested a man in Greek Cyprus over alleged spying for Iran linked to RAF Akrotiri. Kurdish Peace Process (Turkey): Turkey’s Kurdish peace framework law is set for parliamentary debate, with calls for binding legal guarantees for lasting settlement. Israel Domestic Politics: Ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election, younger-generation voices are pushing into the Knesset race as post–Oct. 7 priorities shape campaigning.